There may be times when your dog experiences injuries or medical conditions that require a look at their internal structures to diagnose or monitor. Today, our Novato pet vets share some information about X-rays for dogs, what they can be used to diagnose and what to expect during the process.
What can dog X-rays be used to diagnose?
X-rays, or radiographs for dogs, are among the most helpful and frequently used tools in human and veterinary healthcare. X-rays can help vets get a view of your pet's bones, tissues, and internal organs so that they can diagnose issues such as broken bones, bladder stones, swallowed foreign objects, and more.
X-ray images can help vets to spot some tumors, pregnancy, and enlarged organs which may lead to a diagnosis such as heart disease or cancer.
A detailed view of organs, tissues, and ligaments cannot be obtained using X-ray technology. In these cases, other diagnostic imaging such as MRI and ultrasound is more beneficial.
An X-ray of a pregnant dog can also help you to prepare for the birth of puppies by allowing you to know how many puppies your dog is expecting, and whether a c-section may be required for any reason.
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How can I prepare for my dog's X-ray appointment?
Often an X-ray is done when the animal is brought in to have an issue looked at by the vet. For that reason, no preparation is required. Your vet will examine your pet, then if an X-ray is required, they will take some time to explain the procedure and what they will be looking for.
How long do dog X-rays take and will my dog need to be sedated?
While the process of performing the X-ray itself may take as little as 10 minutes, the entire visit can take longer than that as your vet prepares your pet and talks with you answering any questions and providing recommendations.
Sedation is sometimes required in order to get a clear X-ray. If your dog is calm, not in too much pain, and able to lay in a comfortable position while the X-ray is being taken, sedation will not be necessary.
On the other hand, if your dog is squirmy, edgy, or in pain sedation will be recommended. Other reasons why sedation may be used during your pup's X-ray include if the dog's muscles need to be relaxed in order to get a clear image, or when the X-ray is of the skull, teeth or spine.
How safe are X-rays for dogs?
While the use of X-rays is generally considered safe for dogs, radiation is involved and so X-rays are typically used only occasionally and generally as a diagnostic tool. In some cases vets will use X-ray technology to glean information about a dog's pregnancy however other forms of imaging such as ultrasound could be used in that case.
If you're concerned about the use of X-ray technology and your dog's health, speak to your vet. Your veterinarian will be able to give you an understanding of the risks versus the benefits in your dog's particular case so that you can decide whether you want your dog to have an X-ray.
What is the cost of dog X-rays?
There are a range of factors that will dictate the cost of your dog's X-rays including the size of your pet, the area being X-rayed, whether sedation was used, the type of clinic, where your veterinary clinic is located, and more. If you are concerned about the cost of your pup's X-rays, ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.